US Department of Labor, Travis County District Attorney commit to expand, improve protection of workers’ wages, enforcement of laws

AUSTIN, TX – Officials from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand and improve the protection of Travis County’s workforce, enforcement of wage laws and level the playing field for responsible employers. 

The memo represents an effort by both agencies to collaborate more effectively on areas of common interest, including sharing training materials, conducting joint investigations and enforcement actions, and sharing information as appropriate for their respective responsibilities.

“This agreement increases the impact of our work. Jointly, our agencies can protect more workers, educate more employers, and send a strong message to those who don’t play by the rules,” said Southwest Wage and Hour Division Administrator Betty Campbell in Dallas. “It’s a win for workers, businesses and taxpayers in Travis County when we pool our resources to improve the efficiency and value of our services.”

“Our office is excited to enter into this agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Travis County District Attorney José P. Garza. “We know that addressing economic stability is critical to promoting public safety in our community. This agreement between our agencies will help our office seek justice for victims of wage theft in Travis County and ensure that employers who engage in criminal conduct are held accountable.”

For more information about the Fair Labor Standards Act and other laws enforced by the division, contact the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division.

Workers can call the Wage and Hour Division confidentially with questions – regardless of their immigration status – and the department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages.